An open design competition entry with Piercy Connor Architects and Whitby Bird, based on a 2.2 hectare brownfield site on the edge of Manchester City Centre. The objective for the competition was to design a mixed-use scheme which is sustainable in its use of energy, urban in character and which promotes cooperative lifestyles.

Our solution creates a new urban model that provides a stimulating physical environment, responsive to its urban context and providing new opportunities for people to choose to live a 'green lifestyle' in the city.

A green corridor connects neighbouring open spaces, converted to recreation and urban agriculture areas, leading to a new land bridge directly linked to the CIS tower and the city centre beyond. A diversity of work and living spaces are designed to enable small incubator enterprises or individuals to develop in the community as their business or household expands.

The environmental energy strategy includes: CHP, bio-fuels, renewable energy, and social strategies including a car club, day nursery, recycling schemes, an 'eco' shop selling locally produced food, an allotment scheme and communal composting, all contributing dramatically to reducing the community's ecological footprint.